Argh. This topic is probably one that is really close to my heart. For so many reasons. See, I myself have had so many moments in which the person in the mirror becomes my enemy too. Especially when it came to getting married to my gorgeous wife Melissa.

The thing is, when scrolling through TikTok and Pinterest it is so easy to lose yourself in the lull of all these AI modified humans who look like some twisted version of societal perfection.

Now most of our clients all feel some sort of anxiety when it comes to photos (although I bet you won’t feel that way after working with us) and I myself, can relate to this feeling. Therapy has been a major help though and we keep going on the journey to loving ourselves. But there are also other bits you can do to help you ease into self-acceptance and self-love.

Some tips on how to love yo’self a little more:

Step away from the filters
I know, I know… this one isn’t easy. But you can do it! Honestly, the easiest way to get used to what you look like in photos is to step away from those harsh filters. We all have a wrinkle or two that tell a story. Or a beautiful laugh line, created by laughing too much at your partner’s terrible jokes. You need to be brave for this one. Post some photos of yourself just being who you are. Sit with it. You got this. It took my ages to post with my rosacea, but since then. I have accepted who I am and now regularly post my face.

Stop following people who make you feel insecure
Since unfollowing, muting and blocking accounts with influencers or celebrities who promote a toxic unreachable target for what someone is meant to look like, my mental health has been much better. Just unfollow. Bin em!

Pick an outfit that makes you feel like a gorgeous muthafucka!

If it isn’t your first choice and doesn’t make you feel comfortable – we will be able to tell. You won’t have a good time at all. Whether it be something more comfortable – you don’t need to rock those designer brands for shoots or your wedding day. We are over overconsumption anyway. If whatever you are wearing makes you feel glam, it will show. So pick something for you, not because you feel you NEED to wear it to follow a trend.

A prewedding shoot to calm the nerves
Jump into it. If you are feeling nervous about cameras being pointed at you – book a prewedding shoot with us. We can suggest locations that resonate with you both as we would have gotten to know you and your lover already. I can guarantee that by the end of it, after seeing those photos – you will feel so much better. We don’t do stiff poses either. This will be a day for you both to be yourselves and we will all just have a good laugh whilst we capture you being you.

Get yourself a disposable, polaroid or some of those point and shoot beauts
These have come back and yes, we do offer these options for your day too. These are timeless unfiltered moments which really get you used to what you look like just being a silly goose. This is a great way to have fun and also capture cherished moments. You might unlock a hidden passion too!

Add some props
Now, our approach to wedding photography is candid and relaxed, but if you feel like you need to get some props about to also keep you busy and help you – confetti is a great way to do this. We absolute love confetti soaked moments. (We also work with the amazing YourConfetti and you can get a discount by using YCTHESNASHFOLDS) Play to your hearts content if you need this. There are also other things like smoke grenades, champagne spray, sparklers streamers, light sabers, mirror balls – the possibilities are endless.

Follow with intent
Instead of all the trending pages, follow humans from all walks of life, with all kinds of bodies. Diversify your feed and get used to a new healthier normal. Stop drowning in the toxic version of what a normal person looks like and start embracing that people other than white, skinny cis-gender, non-disabled bodies also elope and get married.

Tell the little voice in your head to piss off
Yeah, I know. This is the one I am working on too. This is easier said than done, but when you start stilling that little gremlin every time it speaks to you – it will get easier. When I have a bad moment, I look back at some pictures with my doggos or the wife and just think how much better I feel having those memories rather than hating on my chin in them. Find ways to fight back when the gremlin strikes and rather remind yourself that you would rather have these memories than hate on them.

Plan your day with childlike abandon
Can you worry about what you look like if you are getting absolutely drenched whilst running in the ocean? When you are stuffing cotton candy in your partner’s face? Surely not. We are huge nerds and one of the most important things to us is making sure you have a great time and make the day all about you. If there is something you both enjoy – make sure to incorporate this into your day. Carousels, board games, gaming arcades or picnics – doing things you both love will take your mind off of worrying – and will look incredible in your photos too.